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WORLD’S STRONGEST WOMAN WINNER PULLS ALDI LORRY AND  TURNS WEEKLY SHOP INTO A WORKOUT 

22 January, 2026

• Three-time World’s Strongest Woman winner Rebecca Roberts shows how to turn the weekly shop into a workout as more than one in three (35%) Brits admit they don’t have time to exercise 

• Almost one in four (23%) are choosing protein and pull ups at the gym over pints as they cut back on alcohol this January 

• Rebecca reveals demands of carrying shopping closely resemble the principles used in strength competitions and is here to give the weekly shop the fitness credentials it deserves 

Carrying shopping bags home might feel like lugging a lorry, but this everyday activity could be boosting muscle strength. 

Aldi has teamed up with three-time World’s Strongest Woman Rebecca Roberts to show how everyday tasks such as the weekly shop can double up as a workout – culminating in her pulling a 17.8-tonne-lorry filled with Aldi’s protein and fitness Specialbuys range. 

According to Rebecca, everyday tasks like carrying groceries can mirror the same movements used in elite strength training, with filled bags doubling up as weights for exercises such as squats, curls and presses. It comes as a new poll of 2,000 Brits shows over a third (35%) struggle to find time to regularly exercise, with just under half of respondents (44%) admitting to never going to the gym due to factors like cost (38%), motivation (24%) and time constraints (15%). 

Over a third (36%) of Brits walk to the supermarket between two and four times each week, with 65% admitting they would be more likely to value carrying their weekly shop if they knew it helped build strength.   

Rebecca explains how carrying shopping – from gripping weight, maintaining posture and moving steadily from A to B – closely resembles the strength principles she uses in competitions.  

The “hidden workout” could be perfect for busy schedules and can be heightened with actions such as:   

• Farmer’s carries: Walking tall with a bag in each hand 

• Bag squats: Holding a bag close to the chest while unloading 

• Curls and presses: Using lighter bags as makeshift weights 

• Weighted lunges: Holding a bag in either hand with arms curled whilst lunging  

The average shopping bag weighs around 6-10kg when filled with everyday essentials like milk, bread, beans, butter and protein products – a load more significant than many people realise.  

With over half (51%) of Brits saying they feel accomplished after carrying shopping bags back home, it’s time to give the weekly shop the fitness credentials it deserves.  

Rebecca said: “When I’m pulling a lorry, it’s not just about brute force, it’s control, balance and repetition. Carrying a full Aldi shop home uses the same kind of functional strength, just in a way that fits into real life.  

“Building functional strength along with eating a good amount of protein is what I do when training for competitions, but it’s also beneficial to anyone looking to increase muscle mass.” 

Alongside exercise, the research also found that protein is firmly front-of-mind, with 49% of Brits currently trying to eat more protein, and almost one in four (23%) choosing protein and pull ups at the gym over pints as they cut back on alcohol this January. 

Over three quarters (77%) of Brits are actively looking out for high-protein products during their weekly shop, and Aldi is meeting demand with its extensive protein range, including shopper-favourites like the Protein Granola (WAS £2.39, NOW £1.99, 400g), Protein Yogurt Pouches (WAS 99p, NOW 79p, 200g) and High Protein Mousses (WAS £1.25, NOW 99p, 200g).  

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Everyday activities like your weekly Aldi shop involve a lot of movement, and you could be carrying home between 6-10kg per bag without even realising. This could be even heavier if you pick up a couple of Specialbuys!  

“By teaming up with Rebecca, we wanted to highlight how doing your weekly shop can help build functional strength, and with nearly a half of Brits looking to eat more protein, our range is the ideal way to support your fitness goals.”  

Aldi’s full protein range is available in stores now.